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Published on: September 9, 2020
Precision Prevention and Cancer Interception: The New Challenges of Liquid Biopsy
Maria Jose Serrano1,2,3, Maria Carmen Garrido-Navas4, Juan Jose Diaz Mochon4,5,6
1GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain. christian.rolfo@umm.edu mjose.serrano@genyo.es.
Abstract:
Despite major therapeutic progress, most advanced solid tumors are still incurable. Cancer interception is the active way to combat cancer onset, and development of this approach within high-risk populations seems a logical first step. Until now, strategies for the identification of high-risk subjects have been based on low-sensitivity and low-specificity assays. However, new liquid biopsy assays, "the Rosetta Stone of the new biomedicine era," with the ability to identify circulating biomarkers with unprecedented sensitivity, promise to revolutionize cancer management. This review focuses on novel liquid biopsy approaches and the applications to cancer interception. Cancer interception involves the identification of biomarkers associated with developing cancer, and includes genetic and epigenetic alterations, as well as circulating tumor cells and circulating epithelial cells in individuals at risk, and the implementation of therapeutic strategies to prevent the beginning of cancer and to stop its development. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential role of liquid biopsy for early detection of precancer lesions and tumors.
Insights
Liquid biopsy offers a sensitive new way to detect early cancer signs in high-risk individuals. This approach aims to intercept cancer development by identifying circulating biomarkers, potentially revolutionizing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Cancer Interception
Background:
- Advanced solid tumors remain largely incurable despite therapeutic advancements.
- Current methods for identifying high-risk cancer populations lack sensitivity and specificity.
- Cancer interception, targeting high-risk individuals, is a promising strategy to combat cancer onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel liquid biopsy approaches for cancer interception.
- To highlight the potential of liquid biopsy in identifying circulating biomarkers for early cancer detection.
- To discuss the application of liquid biopsy in preventing cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on liquid biopsy technologies.
- Analysis of circulating biomarkers including genetic alterations, epigenetic changes, circulating tumor cells, and circulating epithelial cells.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies for cancer interception.
Main Results:
- Liquid biopsy assays demonstrate unprecedented sensitivity in identifying circulating biomarkers.
- These novel assays promise to revolutionize cancer management and early detection.
- Liquid biopsy facilitates the identification of individuals at risk for developing cancer.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement for cancer interception strategies.
- Further large prospective studies are essential to validate liquid biopsy's role in detecting precancerous lesions and tumors.
- The integration of liquid biopsy into clinical practice could transform cancer prevention and management.
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